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LaPorte County pays $130,000 to recover from ransomware attack

LaPorte County pays $130,000 to recover from ransomware attack
  • The County worked with the FBI and security experts to recover from the attack, however, the decryption keys from the FBI could not restore the encrypted files.
  • LaPorte paid $130,000 in bitcoin to recover the encrypted files and systems, out of which, $100,000 is covered by the insurance provider.

LaPorte County in Indiana suffered a ransomware attack on July 6, 2019. The attack impacted the County’s computers, email systems, and its official website. Two domain controllers were also impacted by the attack, thereby disabling network services.

County decides to pay ransom

The County worked with the FBI and security experts to recover from the attack, however, the decryption keys from the FBI could not restore the encrypted files. The County’s backup servers were also infected, making restoration from backup impossible.

  • The County’s insurance provider suggested meeting the attackers’ demand by paying the ransom amount.
  • Following which, LaPorte paid $130,000 in bitcoin to recover the encrypted files and systems.
  • Out of the $130,000 paid, $100,000 is covered by the insurance provider.

“Fortunately, our county liability agent of record, John Jones, last year recommended a cybersecurity insurance policy which the county commissioners authorized from Travelers Insurance” Dr. Vidya Kora, La Porte County Board of Commissioners President, told The News Dispatch, BleepingComputer reported.

Worth noting

  • It should be noted that the ransomware that crippled the LaPorte County systems is Ryuk.
  • LaPorte is not the only administration to pay ransom amount to recover from a ransomware attack. Last month, two Florida cities, Lake City and Riviera Beach also paid ransom amounts to recover their systems.
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